Pat Robertson Faces Libel Suit Filed By Priest

The leader of a West Palm Beach religious organization has sued Christian Broadcasting Network head Pat Robertson, accusing him of libel and slander.

The suit was filed on Wednesday in Palm Beach County Circuit Court by the Rev. Robert Bouchlas, administrator of St. Michael Academy, a West Palm Beach Bible college.

Bouchlas, an ordained Greek Orthodox priest who also runs the Elijah Ministry under the name Hara Lambos, said in the suit that he was referred to as a cult leader on CBN television and in letters to CBN followers.

Bouchlas alleges that Robertson and CBN University President Robert Slosser identified Bouchlas` organizations as cults in letters to the family of a Michigan woman who was a member of Bouchlas` organization. The suit also says that Bouchlas was slandered on CBN television.

The suit says the remarks and comments have caused Bouchlas irreparable damage and hurt his efforts to operate his Bible college in the 4400 block of Washington Road.

Along with Robertson, Slosser and CBN are named in the suit.

Bouchlas on Wednesday said he would not comment on the suit until Robertson was served notice it had been filed.

Officials of CBN, based in Virginia Beach, Va., could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.